Enter the world of "Ultimate Fighting," a sport exploding in popularity. CNBC profiles the league's charismatic CEO and driving force, Dana White. Watch Video
Web Extra: Lorenzo Fertitta UFC owner, Lorenzo Fertitta, remembers the origins of his love affair for mixed-martial arts.
Round #2: Barbaric Beginnings
The story of the near-death and resurrection of Ultimate Fighting, looking back to the dark days of controversy surrounding a sport that was largely unregulated. Brazilian Rorion Gracie traces the history of the UFC from his father's no-holds barred matches. Watch Video
Web Extra: Rorion Gracie Rorion Gracie brought the concept of the UFC from his garage to arenas across the country, and came up with the idea of the Octagon.
Round #3: A Fighter's Story
A profile of one of Ultimate Fighting’s stars, Rich Franklin. Franklin, an aging fighter and former math teacher, just lost a title bout and is exploring a life outside the Octagon. Franklin takes us from the locker room to the intensity of the Octagon. Watch Video
Web Extra: Rich Franklin Fighter Rich "Ace" Franklin details what it's like to enter the Octagon.
Round #4: Ultimate Marketing
Ultimate Fighting has established its presence on the radar of popular culture with it's devoted fan base of young males. We’ll look at the range of promotions, endorsements, and movie deals tied into the sport. And, the ultimate marketing of Tapout, a successful apparel company run by three friends who turned their passion for mixed martial arts into profits. Watch Video
Special Web Extra: TapouT "Mask", the late Charles Lewis Jr., was the frontman and founder of TapouT. He remembers the company's meager beginnings.
Round #5: Ultimate Fighting vs. Boxing
A look at the rise of one fighting sport and the fall of another. Boxing is by no means down for the count, but it’s been given a roundhouse punch. Ultimate Fighting has captured the kind of attention and ticket revenues once reserved for boxing and has become a mainstay on the Las Vegas strip. Watch Video
Web Extra: Dana White/UFC On the Vegas Strip, Dana White talks about the UFC's rise in what was once known as boxing's hometown.
SHOW TIMES
COMING SOON CNBC is ready for a rematch! Ultimate Fighting: Fistful of Dollars Premieres Wednesday, July 29th 10p | 1a ET
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Current DateTime: 02:48:15 11 Nov 2009 LinksList Documentid: 26296293